Electrolytic separator



W. A. SHARPE ELECTROLYT I C S EPARATOR Jan.. 22 1924.

Original Filed April 29v 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet l jan. 22 1924. y 1,481,75l

W. A. SHARPE ELECTROLYTIC SEPARATOR Original Filed April 29( 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Imi/29 A. Jagv.

entre l Mussi serena A. SHARPE, OF lDENW'ER,4 COLORADO.

ELECTROLYTIC SEPARATOR.

vApplication filed April 29, 1922, Serial No. 559,288. Renewed ctober 30, 1923.

the accompanying` drawings. and to the` characters of reference marked thereon, which forma part of this specification.

rIhis invention relates `to an apparatus for the separation of metals from pulverized.

ores by electrochemical and electromagnetic means. It is the object of this invention to produce amachine byvmeans of which the metals can be readily and completely sepa- 'rated fiom the ground or powdered ores by passing the ore through a succession of separate vats, each of which contains an electrolyte that will cooperate with one or more of the metals present, and to deposit the metal, electrolytically, on a rotatingv d an l t Fig. A7 is a detail showing the groove in Y metal cylinder.

It is well known that a chemicalcoma0 pound can be separated into its constituents by means of an electric current, and that the metallic ions in an electrolyte through which a current passes will travel from the anode to the cathode and be deposited in the form of/metal on the cathode surface. .This has been taken advantage' of in the well known processes of electroplating and electrometallurgy inl general.

In separating the metals from the non-d 40 metallic portions of the ores, I have recourse to"k the well known method of electrolysis.

I have devised a machine in which the ore in its pulverized state is deposited 'on an endless belt of flexibleinsulating material,

such as rubber, whoseI .upper surface has secured thereto a plurality of carbon rods placed side by side so as to form a co-ntinuous surface `upon which the ore rests. The

v carbon surface. is electrically connected` to the positive pole of a suitable Source of direct current. A plurality of rotating cylinders are placed above the upper surfaceof the conveyor belt and are electrically connected to thenegative pole of the vsource sired may be used and the ore carried from one cell to the other on thecontinuous belt anode, all as will herein be more fully de-` scribed by reference to the accompanying drawing in whichf ics; I

Fig. 1 is a front elevation-of my improved I electrolytic ore separator;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section thereof;

F ig.3 is -a rear elevation of my separator;

Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken on line H, Fig. 3 ,f

Fig. 5 is 'a section similar to Fig. 4, but showing a modification;

Fig. 6V is a longitudinal section of the belt;

the outer surface of the cylindrical cathode.

The same reference numerals will be used to designate the same parts throughout the;f several views. Y n

Mynachine consists of a framework having longitudinal side timbers 1 and 2, which is supported on suitable legs 3, Sides 4 and 5 are secured to the inner 'side'of side pieces 1 and 2 and the legs 3, and these form the ends of a series o f transverse tanks 6, Z and 8, which are separated from each ,other by upwardly extending inclined sides 9, in the manner 'clearly shown in Fig. 2. Tanks 6, Z and'S are designed to contain the electrolyte which is employed in carrying out the' process which will hereinafter be explained. 'Rotatably mounted in suitable bearings" 10 near the right hand end of the machine is a shaft 11 upon which is mounted a pulley 12, which serves as the driving means whereby motion is transmitted to the endless belt 13. At the other end of the machine I provide a guide slot 14 on each side and slidably mounted in each .slot is a bearing 15 'which can be adjusted by means of a screw .flanges 25.

16 having a handwhe'el 17. A shaft 18 is rotatably mounted in bearings 1.5 and carries a pulley 19 over which the endless beltv 13 passes, in the manner clearly shown in Fig. At a point directly over the central portion of each tank I provide `shafts 2t) Whose ends are rotatably mounted in bearings 21. Non-rotatably secured to each shaft 2t) is a cylindrical member 22 which serves as the cathode for the reception of the metals which have been ionizetl.- all as will hereinafter be fullyexplained. On each side of cylindrical members 22 l provide an idler 23 which is rotatably mounted on a shaft 2O and serves to space the surface of b-elt 13 away from the surface of cylinder 22. in the manner shown in Fig. 2. From Fig. l we notice that the idlers 23 are provided with a cylindrical face 21. on one side of which there is a flange The edges of the belt 13 engage the faces 21 and are guided by lhe belt 13 consists of a piece of rubber or rubberized fabric 26, on the upper surface of which are placed a layer of transversely arranged carbon rods 2T. The edges ol the belt 26 are bent upwardly and then turned inwardly so as to provide a flange 28 which overlays the ends of the carbon rods and serves to hold them in place all as shown in Fig.A 4. In order to enable the belt to make the reverse turn. which is necessary where the belt passes from one set of idlers to another, I provide intermediate each set of idlers 23 another set of idlers 29 of somewhat similar construction, but of much smaller diameter, These idlers are mounted on shafts 30 which rotate in bearings 31 secured to side pieces 1 and 2. As shown clearly in Fig. 2, the belt 13 being driven from pulley 12 passes over one set of idlers 29 and is then curved downwardly by the action of idlers 23, after which it again passes over another set of idlers 29 and is then curved downwardly by another set of idlers 23. etc.. a tter which it passes from the last set of idlers 29 to pulley 19 and returns to pulley 12 by passing underneath the electrolyte tanks.

In order that the pulverized ore may be conveniently and evenly distributed over the carbon surface of belt 13. I provide a hopper which has an inclined bottom 3-1 leading to an opening which can be closed by a sliding door 3.7. A rack and pinion oper.

ated by the handwheel 36 serves to adjust the size of the opening so that the ore may be fed onto the surface of the belt at any rate desired. A motor 37 for producing the power necessary to drive the machine may1 be attached to the bottom of the machine in the manner shown. or it may be placed on the floor or on the ceiling; in fact. the specific location is immaterial. A belt 38 or other power transmittingT means connects the motor 37 with the wheel 39, which is fastened to one end of shaft 11. In order to rotate the cylindrical cathode a belt wheel IU is secured to shaft 11 between wheel 39 and the side of the machine. A belt L11 connects pulley @to -with the inner pulley 42- on the end of the shaft 2() nearest the drive end of the machine. A second belt L13 joins the outer pulley 12 with the outer pulley -H on the next shaft 29. and a third belt 45 extends from pulleyv 41 to pulley 46, While a fourth belt 4T extends from one of pulleys 4Gtopulley-18on the end of brush shaft 19, and serves to rotate brush 50 which rotates in a counter-clockwisc direction when seen from the direction in which Fig. 2 is viewed.

From the above description it will be evident that as the machine operates` the belt will move so that its upper surface travelsI from the hopper 33 towards the vats 6, T and S. and at the same time the 'cylindrical cathodes 22 rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. The ore which is depositd on the upper surface of belt 13 is carried along with the belt and passes successively through the several tanks G. T and 8. Each tank contains a different electrolyte and is intended to re1nove a different metal or a group of similar metals. Tank (5. for example, may contain a solution of silver nitrate, tank 7 a solution of copper sulphate. and tank 8 a solution of gold potassium chloride. By means of a suitable brush 51 properly insulated from the body of the machine. and contacting with the carbon rods 2T of belt 13. the belt is connected to the positive pole of a suitable source of current. such as a low voltage direct current generator of large current capacity. Each one of shafts 2t) is electrically connected to the negative pole of lthe source of current and becomes the cathode of the electrolytic cell. .Xs thc belt moves from right to left. (Fig. 2) the orcwill enter the electrolyte in tank t3. which we assume will be silver nitrate; here. the silver in the ore will 'be ionized by the current passing from the anode to thc cathode and electrolytically deposited on the specially preparerl surface ot' the cylindrical cathode 22. From tank G the ore will be carried over the top of the first. set of idlers 29 and down into the copper sulphate electrolyte in tank T. where the copper will bc ionized and fleposited on the surface of the rotating cathode. From tank T the orc is carried into tank 8 which may contain gold potassium chloride` and here the gold will be ionized and deposited on thel surface of the corresponding cathode.

The absolute separation ot' one metal from the other is very ditlicult to'obtain in practice and although it is my intention to carefully adjust the current densities and voltages bet-Ween the common anode and the rotatable cathode of ea h tank as near as lOl mamar c practicable to lthe theoretic-a1 values, I do not claim that I can accomplish a thorough selective separation and this is not considered essential as my object is primarily to separate the metal values from the ore. It is my intention to obtain the best selective separation that isp-'practicable and then tio refine the metals deposited on the cathodes by other means.

I have shown only three tanks in series, but. vit is evident that any desired number may be employed. Since the upper surface of belt 13 is made of carbon, it is conductive, and the current will travel in the carbon surface from brush l to the farthest tank. If

any difficulty should be experienced in conducting the current along the belt, suitable brushes may be employed at the points whtre the belt enters the electrolyte of each tan The current densities of each cell may be controlled by means of rheostats in the well known manner. In Fig. 1 I have shown a generator .G whose anode is connected, to the brush/51 by means of a suitable conductor AC and whose cathode is connected to electrolytic cells, it will be carried to the.

left hand end of the machine (Figs. 1 and 2) and dumped-onto a suitable conveyor (not shown) or disposed of in any suitable manner. Any' material adhering to the -carlbon rods as the belt starts on its return v travel will be-brushed off by means of the rotating brush 50.- In order that the conductive surface. of lthe cathode shall be limited to the outer cylindrical surface of the cathode 22,` I enamel all ofthe surfaces of the cylindrical cathode 22 except the outer periphery thereof, with an insulating enamel, and also enamel all the surfaces of the idlers 23.

The electrolytes may fill the tanks to any desired level, and I have indicated the level thereof by means of'a line which I have numbered v52.

In'order that the metal which is deposited on the cathode surface shall not adhere thereto to such an extent as to make the removal thereof diiicult, I subject the conducting surface 53 to a treatment which I term mercurizing. The surface is first copperplated and made smooth by somesuitable means, after which I rub the surface with a chamois skin pad containing three parts of leacl carbonate and one part of mercury .which Nhas been moistened with dilutevhy- `be removed by electromagnetic means.

drochloric lacid and water, .so as to form a paste. The surface 53 is then connected vto the negative pole of a source of electric current, and the pad is connected to the positive pole and forms the anode for the pa l the ionized metal which is deposited thereon will not adhere thereto as it would to the bare metal surfaces, with the result that it may be readily removed. The metal will be deposited on the cathode surfaces inthe form of a closed cylinder which cannot be removed without cutting. In order to facilitate the removal of the deposited material I cut a groove transversely of the surface 53 along one element of the cylinder and fill the same with wax, as indicated by 54 in Fig. 7. The wax ltbeing non-conductive will cause a cut or gap in the metal deposited on the cylinder so that it may readily be removed.' If the metal should cover the wax surface, it may be cut by means of some sharp tool.

Oftentimes the ore contains iron or other magnetic metals, and in order to obviate the necessity'of separating these by electrolytic means, I provide means whereby theymeiy n Fig. 5 I have shown how one or more of the electrolytic cells may be equipped with magnetic means, which I shall now describe. The shaft is extended on each side and the projecting ends pass through openings 54: in the ends of the U-shaped magnetic core 55, which is provided with one or more magnetizing coils 56 energized by a suitable cfurrent which, for example, renders the right hand end the north pole N and the leftk hand end the south pole S. Shaft. 20 is made in three parts and has a central section 57 of non-magnetic material such Vas bronze or brass. The cylindrical cathode 22 is made up of two similar pulleys 58 separated by an annular ring of non-magnetic material 59 which may be secured to the edges of pulleys 58 by means of suitable dowel pins 60. The outer cylindrical surface of the cathode is copper-plated and mercurized as explained above, and the inner surfaces thereof are enameled with a non-conducting enamel in the manner and for the purpose above explained. When the electromagnet is energized in the manner described, the two magnetic pulleys 58 will become magnetized so as to form the poles ofthe electromagnetic separator, and the attraction of the flux passing from one pole to the other over the non-magnetic air ga 59 causes iron and other magnetic materia s tonbe removed from the pulverized ore and lll attached to the cathode surface Where they will become embedded in the metal electrolytically deposited thereon. In this manner a large amount of electrical energy which would otherwise be expended in ionizing those magnetic particles will be saved. It is contemplated that only one cathode be so formed as` to make it the poles of an electromagnet, but if it shou'ld be found to be necessary more of them may be thus constructed.

From the above it will be evident that I have produced an electrolytic and electromagnetic ore separator which is so constructed that the ore is fed onto an endless conveyor belt having one side constructed of acid resisting electrically conductive material such as carbon, and which is electrically connected-vvith the positive pole of a source of electric current supply whereby the ore thereon becomes the anode. The conveyor belt passes successively through a series of tanks containing different electrolytes and each of which is provided with a`A rotating cathode so that the ore as it passes through the electrolyte is subjected to the ionizing action of the electric current and is deposited on the rotating cathode from which it ma be readily removed. Vhere the ore contalns a variety of different metals which cannot all be removed by the use of the same electrolyte and current density, a series of tanks are provided, as shown and explained. My separator is also so constructed that the magnetic material may be removed by electromagnetic means, at a less expenditure of energy than if it were electrolytically removed.

My machine, described above, is of simple construction adapted for continuous operation, and is adapted to removeany kind of metals that can be elec-trolytically deposited on a cathode and has a large capacity for its s1ze.

I am aware that it is not new to separate the metals from ores by electro-chemical and electromagnetic means, and I do not claim to be the discoverer of this, but believe that I have devised a new machine which possesses several marked advantages overv other machines of this-type, chief of which is that the ore is passed automatically through a succession of electrolytic cells where the metals are separated selectively, thus making it possible to secure the best results by employing the proper electrolyte and current density for each metal.

I also desire to call particular attention to the method I employ in preparing the cathode surface. which makes the surface highly conductive and at the same time prevents adhesion of the electrolyte metals to the cathode surface. so that the metal can be easily stripped off the cathode. By this means a larger cathode surface can be provided for each tank than would be possible with a stationary' cathode. My strip of wax 54. is also of great value in facilitating the removal of the electrolyte metal.

Having now described my invention, what I claim is-` l. An electrolytic ore separator, comprising a plurality of electrolytic cells, a cathode in each cell, and a common anode comprising an endless belt conveyor.

2. An electrolytic ore separator, comprising a tank containing an electrolyte, a rotatable cylindrical cathode having a portion thereof submerged in said electrolyte and an anode consisting of an endless conveyor belt.

3. An electrolytic ore separator, comprising a-pl'urality of tanks in juxtaposition, an electrolyte in each tank, a rotary cylindrical cathode having a portion of its outer cylindrical'surface immersed in the electrolyte, and a common anode for said tanks consisting of an endless conveyor belt,

4. An electrolytic ore separator, comprising a plurality of tanks in juxtaposition, an electrolyte in each tank, a cylindrical cathode for each tank mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis and having a portion of the outer surface thereof in contact with t-he electrolyte, a common anode for all of said tanks, said anode consisting of an endless conveyor' belt having a conductive ore supporting surface, means whereby said beltJ is caused to pass down into and through the electrolyte at a predetermined distance from the cathode surface.

5. An electrolytic ore separator, comprising a plurality of juxtaposedl tanks adapted to contain a suitable electrolyte, a cylindrical cathode in each tank mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis, and having aportion of the outer surface thereof extending below the level of the electrolyte, means for rotating'said cathode whereby the entire surface'thereof will be active, a pair of idlers of greater diameter than the cathode and mounted concentrically therewith, and an anode consisting of an endless belt conveyor which passes through the electrol vte in all of the tanks,l said conveyor being spaced from the surface of the cathode by means of said idlers.

6. An electrolytic ore separator, comprising a plurality of juxtaposed tanks adapted to contain a suitable electrolyte, a cylindriral cathode in each tank mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis, and having a portion of the outer surface thereof extending below'the level of the electrolyte, means for rotating said cathode whereby the entire surface thereof will be active, an idler mounted concentrically with said cathode at each end thereof, said idlers being of greater diameter than the cathode, an anode consisting of an endless beltconveyor having the upper surface thereof formed of electro-conductive material, said anode engagingV thelperipheries of the idlers whereby the vsurface thereof is spaced from the cathode surface, and means'for simultaneously rotating said cathode and moving said anode through the electrolytes.

7. An electrolytic ore separator, comprising a plurality of juxtaposedtanks adapted to contain a suitable electrolyte, a cylindrical cathode in each tank mountedfor rotation about a horizontal axis, and having a portion of the outer surface thereof extending below the level of the electrolyte,

means for rotating said cathode whereby the entire surfacethereof will be active, an idler mounted concentrically "e with said cathode, at each end thereof, said' idlers being of greater diameter than the cathode, an

- cylindrical cathode for each tank rotatably facel formed of carbon rods and its lowerI mounted on a horizontal axis, and having a portion of its outer surface submerged in the electrolyte, an yanode formed ofa con-l tinuous belt conveyor having its upper sursurface, formed of a' flexible non-conductive material, means for curving said anode downwardly into the electrolyte of each tank, and to space the same from the cathode surface, means between each pair of tanks to ermit the anode to be bent from an upward irection to a downward direction, means for simultaneously rotating the cathode and moving the anode through the electrolyte, means for depositing pulverized ore on said anode, and means for supplying an ionizing current to said anode and cathode.

A'9. An velectrolytic ore separator, comprising in combination a plurality of juxtaposed tanks adapted to contain an electrolyte, a cylindrical cathode for eachtank rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis, and having a portion of'its outer surface submerged in the electrolyte, an anode formed of a continuous belt conveyor having its upper surface formed of carbon rods and its lower surface formed of a flexible non-conductive material,

J' means for curving said anode downwardly into. the electrolyte of 'each tank, and' to space the same )from the cathode surface, means between each pair, of tanks to permit the anode to be bent from an upward direction to a downward direction, means for simultaneously rotating the cathode and.

moving the anode through the electrolyte,

means for depositing the pulverized ore onA mounted' on a horizontal axis, and having a.

portion ofits outer surface submerged in the electrolyte, an anode formed of a continuous belt conveyor y having its upper surface formed of carbon rods and its lower surface formed of a flexible non-conductive material, means for curving said anode downwardly into thev electrolyte of each'V tank, and to space the same from the cathode surface, i

means between each pair of tanks to permit the anode to be bent from an upward direction to a downwardl direction, means for simultaneously rotating the cathode and moving the anode through the electrolyte, means for depositing pulverized ore on said anode, means for adjusting the tension on said anode, Ia rotating brush engaging the under surface of said anode, and means for supplying anrionizing current to said anode 'and cathode. f

11. An ore separator comprising a plurality of tanks in juxtaposition, an electrolyte in each tank, a rotary cylindrical cathode for each tank, said cathodes having a portion of their outer cylindrical surface immersed in the electrolyte, a common anode for all of' said tanks, saidanode consisting of an endless conveyor belt, and electromagnetic means for separating magnetic 'material and attaching the same to the cathode. c

12. An ore separator comprising a plurality of tanks lin juxtaposition, an e1ec` trolyte in each tank, a rotary cylindrical cathode for each tank, said cathodes havingv a portion of their outer cylindrical surface immersed in the electrolyte, a common anode for all of said tanks, said anode consisting of an endless conveyor belt, means comprising a magnetizing coil cooperating with the cathode for magnetizingt the same, whereby magnetic material will bel attracted to the cathode surface.

13'. An ore separator comprising a plurality of tanks in juxtaposition, an electrolyte in each vtank, av rotary cylindrical cathode for each tank; said cathodes having a portion of their outer cylindrical surface immersed in the electrolyte, a common` anode forall of said tanks, said anode consisting of an endless conveyor belt, the cathode Ibeing .formed of a pair of magnetic membersspaeedby an annular ring of non-magnetic material, and means for causing one of said members to form theV ositive pole and the other the negative po e of a magnet-ie circuit, whereby magnetic material will be attracted to the cathode surface and become embedded in the electrolyt-ic metal.

14. An ore separator' comprising a plurality of tanks in juxtaposition, an electrolyte in each tank, a rotary cylindrical cathode for each tank, said cathodes having a portion of their outer cylindrical surface immersed in the electrolyte, a common anode for all ot' said tanks, said anode consisting ot' an endless conveyor belt, said cathode being formed of a pair of axially spaced cylindrical magnetic members, a shaft of non-magnetic material joining the central portion ot' the two cathodes, an annular nonmagnetic ring joining' the outer peripheral portions of the cathodes.v shafts of magnetic material upon which said cathode members are mounted, and electromagnetic means for magnetizing said cathode parts in such a manner that each constitutes the opposite pole of a magnetic current.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

WILLIAM A. SHARPE. 

